The Murder of Roger Ackroyd · Chapter
V: Murder explained
Dr.
What happens
Dr. Sheppard is summoned to Fernly Park by a mysterious phone call claiming Roger Ackroyd has been murdered. Arriving, he finds the butler Parker denies making the call. Concerned, Sheppard forces entry into the locked study with Parker's help, discovering Ackroyd stabbed from behind with a dagger. The police are called, and Inspector Raglan begins investigating, noting the window is open and a blue envelope containing Mrs. Ferrars's letter is missing. Flora Ackroyd reveals she saw her uncle alive at 9:45 PM, contradicting earlier assumptions.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The hoax phone call and Parker's flustered demeanor create a web of deception, while the locked-room mystery challenges initial appearances.
Secrecy and Blackmail
The missing blue envelope containing Mrs. Ferrars's letter hints at blackmail and hidden secrets surrounding Ackroyd's death.
Characters to notice
- Dr. Sheppard
Receives a hoax phone call, drives to Fernly, forces entry into the study, and discovers Ackroyd's body.
- Parker
Denies making the phone call, assists Sheppard in breaking down the study door, and appears flustered under questioning.
- Roger Ackroyd
Found dead in his armchair, stabbed from behind with a dagger; the key is in the lock on the inside.
- Flora Ackroyd
Claims she saw her uncle alive at 9:45 PM and instructed Parker not to disturb him.
- Geoffrey Raymond
Present at the scene after the body is discovered; examines the desk for missing items.
- Major Blunt
Arrives at the study, observes the body, and notes the letters on the floor.
Key passages
“‘The calls on my purse have been so frequent of late’—that is what he was saying—‘of late, that I fear it is impossible for me to accede to your request.’”
Ackroyd was telling someone that he could not give them money because he had been asked too often recently.
Parker overhears this conversation, suggesting a possible motive involving financial demands.
“‘Stabbed from be’ind,’ he murmured. ‘ ’Orrible!’”
Parker observed that the victim was stabbed from behind, expressing horror at the brutality.
Parker's reaction underscores the violent nature of the murder and his shock.